Embassy, South Africa in Germany, Topnews
01. June 2011
Accreditation of Ambassador Reverend Dr Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Federal Republic of Germany on 1 June 2011.
Berlin, 1 June 2011. The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Berlin is honoured to announce that on 1 June 2011 His Excellency Ambassador Reverend Dr Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile presented his Letter of Credence to His Excellency President Christian Wulff accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Federal Republic of Germany.
His links to Germany go back to his days as a student in the late 1970`s when he studied the German language which prepared him for classes that he subsequently took at the University of Tübingen as part of a post graduate Diploma in Theology. Later in life, his link was to be strengthened at the political economic level when as Premier of the Easter Cape Province Reverend Stofile travelled frequently to Germany mobilising political and business support for the development of the new South Africa.
His academic career saw him attain a number of university degrees at different universities in South Africa and the United States of America. He became lecturer at his alma mater, the University of Fort Hare, as well as at the then University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University). A passionate student of Theology as well as of History.
Like many South Africans of his generation Reverend Stofile was exposed to political work since the early 1950`s. After the banning of political organizations he was recruited to the ranks of underground freedom fighters. He rose to the rank of Regional Chairperson of the Area Political Committee (APC) by 1978 and of the Regional Military Combat Work Committee (MCW) by 1985. From 1983 he became a Regional Secretary General (Border Region) as well as National Executive Committee member of the United Democratic Front (UDF). In 1974 the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa ordained Ambassador Stofile as Minister of the Word and Sacraments.
In 1994 Reverend Stofile became one of th 400 MPs of South Africa`s first democratic Parliament. The ruling African National Congress elected him as the first Chief Whip in that parliament. Two years later President Mandela appointed the Ambassador as Premier in the Government of the Eastern Cape Province. In 2004 President Mbeki called him to be national Minister of Sport and Recreation. As such, Reverend Stofile became the lead coordinator of government and private sector as well as NGO`s as South Africa prepared for and finally hosted a memorable FIFA World Cup in 2010. This again brought him into very close cooperation with German institutions and the Federal Government who had ably hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Ambassador Stofile has been a member of the National Executive Committee of the ruling party (ANC) since its unbanning in 1990 to date. From 1995 to 1997 he was the Treasurer General of the ANC. He is also a corresponding member of the National Working Committee (NWC).
Ambassador Rev Dr Stofile pointing out the strong relationship between South Africa and Germany stated:
“South Africa continues to count its relationship with the Federal Republic of Germany as being one of its treasured bilateral relationships. Our relationship with Germany is a partnership, in the truest sense of the word, which is based on mutual respect and trust.”
And he continued:
“I consider my current deployment as a great statement of trust by our President. The honour of serving the President, our country and our people at this level is a daunting one. I accept it with great humility and inspiration derived from those who led us to where we are. I look forward to a meaningful engagement with those who share our vision of a democratic, prosperous and peaceful South Africa.”
Ambassador Reverend Dr Stofile has moved to Germany with his wife of over thirty years, Nambitha Stofile. His two daughters work in South Africa.